I took a good look at her, noticing that she seemed tired, almost worn out. She appeared older than she had that day at Dreamer’s Pool. Those red eyes suggested she had been weeping. ‘Are you quite well yourself?’ I asked. ‘This must have been difficult for you, having to travel so far from home, and not being altogether sure of the future. For Lady Flidais too, of course.’

Nuala nodded. She looked over her shoulder, through the open door of my temporary stillroom and out into the kitchen, as if someone might be hanging on every word.

‘It will take a little time to make up a draught for the headache,’ I said, moving to close the door. ‘Why don’t you sit down, and I’ll brew a restorative tea first? I could do with a cup, and it’s good to have the company.’ Which was a lie, at least the bit about company, but she looked as if she needed a brew.

‘Thank you, Mistress Blackthorn.’ Nuala sat, hands in her lap, her shoulders bowed as if she were too tired to sit up straight. Or perhaps not so much tired as sad. Disappointed?

I held back from asking questions until the brew – a safe chamomile and peppermint – was made, and a steaming cup set on the work table beside her. ‘There. Now, I do have to ask you something. You know, I’m sure, that I should see Lady Flidais in person so I can determine the cause of the headaches. It’s best to do that before providing any kind of remedy.’

‘But you said you would do it –’

‘Yes, I did; and I will. I can make up a draught to ease the lady’s pain. But only for the short term: a night or two at most. For a more lasting remedy, I would most certainly need to examine her. From what I’ve seen and heard, Lady Flidais’s malady is severe and ongoing. Preventing her from many pursuits she has enjoyed in the past, such as reading.’ I forbore to mention that this seemed particularly odd in view of the lady’s continuing ability to work embroidery.

Nuala took a sip of her drink. She closed her eyes.

‘I will brew sufficient for two days only,’ I said, beginning to assemble the ingredients. ‘If Lady Flidais wants more, she must allow me to examine her and to ask a few questions.’

‘That smells good, Mistress Blackthorn.’

‘Wild thyme; dried, but still effective. Certain mushrooms, powdered. A few leaves of rosemary. Though if the headaches continue once the lady is married, I would cease to include that. It is not recommended if a woman might be with child.’ I glanced at her. ‘You’ll perhaps remember what I said when Mhairi quizzed me about my work. It’s that kind of detail that makes it unwise for folk to attempt making up these cures themselves.’